Early yesterday morning, a blaze erupted in the Woodlawn Commons Apartments, causing extensive damage. Woodlawn Fire Department crews were dispatched to Towne Commons Way around 5:30 a.m. to battle the fire, ultimately leaving eight families without homes and injuring one firefighter. According to WLWT, the firefighter sustained minor injuries.
Upon arrival, flames and smoke were seen shooting from the top floors of the three-story building, as FOX19 reported. Firefighters worked to eventually prevent the fire from spreading to laterally adjacent units and the breezeway. The large complex appears to have affected only one corner of the building, and the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Woodlawn Fire Chief Amos Johnson commended the firefighters for effectively containing the fire.
The fire left residents in shock, forced to vacate their homes amidst the chaos quickly. Camren Roberson and his grandmother, Danielle Brock, took it upon themselves to alert their neighbors. "We were knocking on every door; we were trying to make sure everyone gets out; that was really all that was on our mind, making sure that everyone was safe," said Roberson via LOCAL12 News. His grandmother lamented the loss, especially of irreplaceable family mementos, stating, "It's unbelievable. I feel like crying because this is all we got right now."
The Red Cross has stepped in to provide immediate assistance. Residents such as Josh Singerman expressed relief and sympathy, grateful for their own spared unit but pained by the losses of their neighbors. "I still won at the end of the day because my life is most important. All of that stuff I can get back," said Roberson via LOCAL12 News. In these moments of uncertainty, the community comes together, as Brock added, "So just give a special prayer for me. If you're out there, just give us a prayer."
